I do not understand all this dread about hydrolock

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

I've read through the responses here with great interest as I love my beast  and don't want see it self-destruct with the push of a starter button.  I feel the petcock (and the helmet lock btw!!) could have been designed better by the Honda gods but I do keep it stock.  Perhaps I worry more than I should about reaching way under the bike to switch the Pingel as I'm mostly 75mph on the tarmac every day and always run to reserve before filling up.

An inline filter is a great idea which I will install based on this thread; also, Big Mac of the So Cal chapter recently installed an electronic fuel shutoff which is another option that he believes in.  Not sure where it goes in the line; maybe there's really no 100% bullet proof solution.

If you want to read a funny motorcycle story about a hydrolock experience on a Valkyrie and ridiculous good luck, click below.  I can't defend the idiot--How dumb he (er, ah . . .I) was will make your skin crawl reading it, but it will make you laugh (I wasn't laughing at the time).  An extreme example of just how strong the Valks are.  Godly strong bikes built by the gods, for the gods.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=590035 

  tht was a hilarious story. Thanks for writing it and let me know when your book comes out. 

[currahee2-6]

Wonderful and funny (now) story. I am so worried now about Hydrolock  I'm going outside in the Florida rain and check my petcock position!   

(question; what will an in-line filter do for the HL problem? )

Thanks,
dave

[Rocketman]

(question; what will an in-line filter do for the HL problem? )

Quite frequently, the leaks that allow fuel to drip into the cylinder are caused by crap flowing down from the tank.  If a filter catches the crap, it won't get into the carb bowl, and then it can't stick in the float needle valve, and thus there won't be a leak for fuel to flow through in the first place.  I can't understand why there's not a filter in the system by design.  The choice to put in a filter is a no-brainer, I think.

[Rocketman]

I agree with you about this, most times trying to (pushstart) jump start a motorcycle you would find having the transmission in a higher gear will greatly increase the ability of the momentum to turn the motor over. Doing the exercise in first gear is fruitless!

Concur.  When I have to, I usually pop it into 2nd.  I find it easier to push in neutral, and 2nd is a good compromise between high gear and easy to get to from neutral.

[bigguy]

I've push started mine several times from first in the saddle. I got the starter working for now and hopefully won't need to do it again, but if I do, I'll try second. I never thought about it, but listening to you guys, it does seem like it would be easier.

[Rocketman]

It's all about the torque conversion through the gears.  It's easier for a running engine to get the rear wheel moving from a dead stop when you're in 1st.  Since you're reversing the force path, it's easier for a turning rear wheel to get the engine turning from a dead stop when you're in 5th.  But, as I said, 2nd is easier to find while rolling, and I've found it's sufficient.

[Bigun]

I have hydrolocked twice on my personal Valk. Once in 07 at INZANE, and once on a road trip in 09. Both times I did the same thing. I put the bike in gear, rolled it backwards one complete revolution, then started the bike. Rolling the bike backwards will release the exhaust valve so that any fuel in that cylinder will simply run out. Maybe some folks do not recognize the problem right away, I do not know. Maybe I am missing something here.

Mine gave me no warning and the clank became a breaking grinding noise before I knew what happened. I am also a new Valk owner and knew nothing of the problem untill it happened. The culprit was the #1 cylinder and the carnage is heart breaking. I love my Interstate and am trying to figure out how to get it repaired. I am also so worried about it happening again that I may get her going and trade it off on a Victory cross country. I really love the bike but I cant afford to stick this kind of money into her on a regular basis. Probably going to get a short block and transfer my heads and carbs on to it after a thourough cleaning and possible rebuild that is.

[strawbobrob]

I was glad to read your comments about push starting.  After the ordeal was over, believe me, I pushstarted the bike several times in various ways to understand pushstarting and what to expect.  I was very embarrassed to see how easily it turned over.  I've also heard that if the battery is low enough, it won't deliver enough spark to even pushstart.  Don't know if that's true or not.

[Rocketman]

I was glad to read your comments about push starting.  After the ordeal was over, believe me, I pushstarted the bike several times in various ways to understand pushstarting and what to expect.  I was very embarrassed to see how easily it turned over.  I've also heard that if the battery is low enough, it won't deliver enough spark to even pushstart.  Don't know if that's true or not.

Very true.  I've pushed 'er several times when she just wouldn't fire.  The engine turns, but no fire.

[Rocketman]

Mine gave me no warning and the clank became a breaking grinding noise before I knew what happened. I am also a new Valk owner and knew nothing of the problem untill it happened. The culprit was the #1 cylinder and the carnage is heart breaking. I love my Interstate and am trying to figure out how to get it repaired. I am also so worried about it happening again that I may get her going and trade it off on a Victory cross country. I really love the bike but I cant afford to stick this kind of money into her on a regular basis. Probably going to get a short block and transfer my heads and carbs on to it after a thourough cleaning and possible rebuild that is.

Believe me, I understand the frustration.  The previous owner of mine sold it to me because he didn't want to deal with the hydrolock.  Of course, I didn't know that at the time...
Once I understood the problem, I got a handle on it, and I've never had one again.  Re-read the posts above regarding prevention.  Fix or replace the offending carb.  A Pingel (shutting it off each time), a fuel filter, and possibly an electric shut-off valve will get your risk down to negligible.

As for repairs, that's the one job I didn't do on my own.  I regret that, as I should have just done it myself.  I dropped a grand each time for the mechanic to do the job.  Some other folks here have done it themselves, so I'll let them pipe in about ease or difficulty.

If you're getting too discouraged, PM me, and we'll talk more.

Mark

[BIG--T]

After reading what Bigun posted, I may do the same. As much as I love mine and all the money I've already sunk in it since Feb, I can't afford to shell out $1000+  a pop. Right now I couldn't afford any major repair work! I wish this board had a poll option, I'd like to know how may this has happened to. i have read where many with high mileage never had any major problems- hope I'm one of the lucky ones!   And ditto on the Vic CC, they are sweet bikes.

[Rocketman]

OK, I can't emphasize this enough.  IT IS VERY RARE.  Hyrdolocks get a lot of press here, from me included, because they're so serious.  However, even if you left it completely stock, the chance of a hydrolock is very low.  If you use some of the aforementioned preventive measures, the risk goes even lower. 

I had three.  The first was due to the previous owner's neglect and bad luck.  The second and third were because I foolishly trusted someone else to work on my Valkyrie, and trusted them to know what they were doing.  It turns out that they were good at talking like they had sense, but not acting like they had sense.  It was still my fault for believing them.
Since then, I've put ~80k miles on two different Valkyries, and never had a hint of a hydrolock.
The vast majority of riders will go their entire lives without having one.  It's just those of us who have had one (or more) that have turned into the hydrolock evangelists.  I think it's worthwhile talking about it, but don't let it worry you too much.  If the discussion changes the way you handle your petcock (should I rephrase that?), that's good.  But, if it changes the way you feel about keeping your Valkyrie, you've taken it too seriously.

Mark

[BIG--T]

OK, I can't emphasize this enough.  IT IS VERY RARE.  Hyrdolocks get a lot of press here, from me included, because they're so serious.  However, even if you left it completely stock, the chance of a hydrolock is very low.  If you use some of the aforementioned preventive measures, the risk goes even lower. 

I had three.  The first was due to the previous owner's neglect and bad luck.  The second and third were because I foolishly trusted someone else to work on my Valkyrie, and trusted them to know what they were doing.  It turns out that they were good at talking like they had sense, but not acting like they had sense.  It was still my fault for believing them.
Since then, I've put ~80k miles on two different Valkyries, and never had a hint of a hydrolock.
The vast majority of riders will go their entire lives without having one.  It's just those of us who have had one (or more) that have turned into the hydrolock evangelists.  I think it's worthwhile talking about it, but don't let it worry you too much.  If the discussion changes the way you handle your petcock (should I rephrase that?), that's good.  But, if it changes the way you feel about keeping your Valkyrie, you've taken it too seriously.

Mark

Thanks Mark for shaing and am glad to know it's rare. Great to know you put 80k on two different ones and no HL! My engine is completely stock except for the 6-6 Cobras. I have less than 11k on mine with the oem petcock which I religously turn off.  After reading about all the HL over the months, I woke up in the middle of the night wondering if I'd cut it off and went out to the barn and yes I had...mind was playing tricks with me! BTW, I just  posted a poll so I'm curious to see the results.

[Rocketman]

No need to worry in the middle of the night.  Just check as part of your startup procedure, and you're good.
I'll go check out your poll now, but be aware that the folks most likely to respond are folks who have had one.  Therefore, assume that your poll results are artificially skewed toward a higher rate of hydrolock than reality.

[BIG--T]

No need to worry in the middle of the night.  Just check as part of your startup procedure, and you're good.
I'll go check out your poll now, but be aware that the folks most likely to respond are folks who have had one.  Therefore, assume that your poll results are artificially skewed toward a higher rate of hydrolock than reality.

I just read on the poll where a guy that's had his for 6 years NEVER cut the petcock off and only used it when he needed reserve! I think from what I've read so far riding her daily or at least weekly seems to help a lot.

[Lyn-Del]

I just read on the poll where a guy that's had his for 6 years NEVER cut the petcock off and only used it when he needed reserve! I think from what I've read so far riding her daily or at least weekly seems to help a lot.

Add me to the list of those who never touch the petcock unless I need to go to reserve.  Nor does Wizard, and between us there are more than a few Valkyries in the stable.  And as much as I'd like to, I promise I do not ride everyday, much less ride every bike every day. 

Now, of course, since I've said that ..........

[BIG--T]

I just read on the poll where a guy that's had his for 6 years NEVER cut the petcock off and only used it when he needed reserve! I think from what I've read so far riding her daily or at least weekly seems to help a lot.

Add me to the list of those who never touch the petcock unless I need to go to reserve.  Nor does Wizard, and between us there are more than a few Valkyries in the stable.  And as much as I'd like to, I promise I do not ride everyday, much less ride every bike every day. 

Now, of course, since I've said that ..........

Thanks, many more reports like yours and I'll leave my percock on so I don't wear it out!!

[Scott in Ok]

OK, I can't emphasize this enough.  IT IS VERY RARE.  Hyrdolocks get a lot of press here, from me included, because they're so serious.  However, even if you left it completely stock, the chance of a hydrolock is very low.  If you use some of the aforementioned preventive measures, the risk goes even lower. 

I had three.  The first was due to the previous owner's neglect and bad luck.  The second and third were because I foolishly trusted someone else to work on my Valkyrie, and trusted them to know what they were doing.  It turns out that they were good at talking like they had sense, but not acting like they had sense.  It was still my fault for believing them.
Since then, I've put ~80k miles on two different Valkyries, and never had a hint of a hydrolock.
The vast majority of riders will go their entire lives without having one.  It's just those of us who have had one (or more) that have turned into the hydrolock evangelists.  I think it's worthwhile talking about it, but don't let it worry you too much.  If the discussion changes the way you handle your petcock (should I rephrase that?), that's good.  But, if it changes the way you feel about keeping your Valkyrie, you've taken it too seriously.

Mark

Mark,

That might be the best post about Hydrolock I've ever read on this board! 

Thank you!

-Scott

[Bigun]

wow lil skeered ! after a 30m miles ride in the heat and parking my newly aquirred 98 tourer i noticed
gas dripping from the engine. looks like it was coming from open plastic tubes under the gas tank. I did turn the oem petck off and it stopped. Wanting to know why this was happening I attemted to remove the tank but had to cease after finding I couldnt because of petck binding against frame. (Is that normal ? ) any how after putting it back together i hit the start button only to feel it locked.
after a few attemts it turned over and started as easily as always. So I come to my new best friend
VRCC and the first subject I find is hyrolock ! Is this what I experienced ? Im guilty of not turning off petcock, but no more. If this was the case I must be a lucky man that no damage occurred. It  took my piggy bank to buy the bike, dont want any $$$ repairs !!!! Thnks to everyone that has helped so far on this forum. This place rocks ! tomboy

You may want to tap all of the bowls on the carbs with a screw driver handle that could be a stuck or sticky float allowing the bowl to overflow.